It's still more difficult and expensive than the alternative.
It's not a big deal for the first world, but poorer nations may hold out for future vaccines that remain stable at higher temperatures and only require a single dose.
It's not a big deal for the first world, but poorer nations may hold out for future vaccines that remain stable at higher temperatures and only require a single dose.
Merck is working on a one-dose pill, but that's not expected before mid-2021.
There's micro encapsulation for vaccines.[1][2] The vulnerable active molecule can be put inside a coating that is stable in storage but dissolves after injection.
[1] https://www.academia.edu/33376119/Microencapsulation_of_Vacc...
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbio...
Valid point, but I feel there's never been a better time for massively pushing this vaccine (after proper testing and regulatory approval, of course) to medium/low income countries.
Winter should make it much easier in managing the temperature range stability required for storing/shipping the vaccine, especially in countries around the equatorial region.
Doing it in late spring/summer will not be a good idea (assuming a better vaccine doesn't come out by then).